Paramedic Technology (PAC)
(Selective1)
The paramedic technology certificate program will be offered at the Gardner campus in an evening format with occasional Saturdays.
This selective enrollment program requires additional application components. The selection process is competitive; applications will be considered until all seats are filled. (See Special Program Requirements for Paramedic Technology Certificate below). Candidates for the Paramedic Technology Certificate program must attend a mandatory information session prior to submitting an application for admission to the selective program. All candidates must review the full application for admission which can be found by visiting: https://mwcc.edu/apply.
Requirements for Consideration to Paramedic Technology Certificate (PAC)
All applicants must have evidence of current Basic and/or Advanced EMT certification, a minimum of one year of work experience or 75 documented patient contacts as a certified Basic or Advanced EMT. See the Special Program Requirements for Paramedic Technology Certificate (below) and/or the Paramedic Technology Certificate application for complete details.
Student Success Tips
Because of an extensive classroom/clinical commitment, students are encouraged to complete some of the general education requirements prior to beginning paramedic courses. Students are expected to have proficient computer skills and the ability to access the internet via desktop/laptop computer or tablet. Internet access may be from home or through a public site, such as a local public library, public college or at any Mount Wachusett Community College campus.
Special Program Requirements for Paramedic Technology Certificate (PAC)
Please note that the following information must be received before courses begin:
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Complete physical health examination conducted within the past two years by a licensed healthcare provider.
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Immunization Requirements for Health Science Students: Two (2) doses Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or positive titre; two (2) doses MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine or positive titers; three (3) doses Hepatitis B vaccine AND Hepatitis B titer showing immunity to the disease; one (1) TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine within 10 years; one (1) dose Meningococcal vaccine (ages 16-21); annual Influenza vaccine; full COVID vaccination (either one dose or two doses depending on the manufacturer). Additional boosters may be required during the program duration as designated by clinical sites; initial “2 step” PPD or Quantiferon Gold TB blood test or an annual TB testing (negative chest x-ray within 5 years AND annual TB Questionnaire also accepted). Contact the Health Services Office at 978-630-9136 for more information.
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Liability insurance of $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage is required. Students will be covered under the college’s liability insurance policy, which will be billed through student fees.
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CPR Certification (Healthcare Provider) is required. A certificate of completion must be presented to the program coordinator prior to entry into courses.
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All paramedic technology students must participate in the Massachusetts Community College Health Insurance Plan or provide accurate information regarding comparable coverage.
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As part of the coursework in the paramedic technology certificate program, students are required to complete practical hours in clinical facilities working with patients under the supervision of licensed providers. Clinical sites require that students obtain certain background checks (state/federal criminal or sexual offender) and/or drug testing before beginning their clinical work. Costs for certain background checks and drug testing are the responsibility of the student. Refusing to participate in these background checks or drug testing will result in the student's inability to progress in the program. A positive background check or drug test may also result in the inability to progress in the program. The criminal background check may also be required for future employment and/or licensure and/or certification. The prospective student is encouraged to discuss any concerns with the program director prior to acceptance into the paramedic technology certificate (PAC) program. This information is given to you now to forewarn you of the potential additional cost and responsibilities. All screenings and background checks are completed AFTER admission/acceptance into the PAC program.
CORI/SORI Policy for Paramedic Technology Certificate (PAC)
(See the PAC application for more information)
Students will be required to complete a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) check. It must be understood that a conviction in a court of law may prevent students from being placed in a clinical agency. This then will not allow successful completion of the PAC program. In addition, it will delay and may prohibit eligibility to take the respective state's paramedic licensure exam.
Please contact the MWCC Office of Admissions at 978-630-9447 or at admissions@mwcc.edu for more information, to obtain an application, or to attend an information session for this program.
1 The Mount Wachusett Community College Paramedic program has been issued a Letter of Review by the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP Executive Office). This letter is NOT a CAAHEP accreditation status, it is a status signifying that a program seeking initial accreditation has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the accreditation Standards through the Letter of Review Self Study Report (LSSR) and other documentation. Letter of Review is recognized by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) for eligibility to take the NREMT's Paramedic credentialing examination(s). However, it is NOT a guarantee of eventual accreditation.
To contact CoAEMSP Executive Office:
8301 Lakeview Parkway Suite 111-312
Rowlett, TX 75088
214-703-8445
FAX 214-703-8992
MWCC is fully accredited by the Department of Public Health Massachusetts Office of Emergency Medical Services as an advanced training institute.